McDONALD'S OPENS FIRST RESTAURANT IN GREECE
GOLDEN ARCHES NOW IN 56 COUNTRIES
ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The birthplace of Western Civilization welcomes the Golden Arches tomorrow as the first McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) restaurant opens in Greece, on the popular Constitution Square in central Athens.
James R. Cantalupo, president and CEO, McDonald's International, said the opening of the Athens restaurant is another milestone for the company. "The opening of the first McDonald's restaurant in Greece supports our business growth strategy of adding new restaurants and developing new international markets," he said. "We're proud to welcome George Yakos, our first licensee in Greece, and look forward to serving and satisfying new McDonald's customers there."
Yakos, an Athenian native, said McDonald's in Greece will be a good fit. "The Greek people -- known for their good food and hospitality -- will appreciate McDonald's commitment to quality, service, cleanliness and value," he said.
The newest McDonald's restaurant can accommodate up to 130 customers (U.S. restaurants typically seat 90), complete with outdoor, cafe-style seating popular in Greek restaurants. It is designed in keeping with the Greek architectural style and includes a marble interior and ornamental decoration inspired by classical Greek symbols.
Yakos remembers his first introduction to McDonald's as a student abroad. "There was a jingle for all the ingredients of a Big Mac(R) which I'll never forget," he said. "Today, it's my favorite sandwich to make!"
During the grand opening ceremonies, Yakos plans to welcome Antony Tritfis, the Mayor of Athens, and Michael Sotirhof, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, who are expected to be among the thousands of opening day customers.
To commemorate the historic opening, McDonald's Greece is making a donation to an Athens youth charity which is considering building a new children's library in Athens. Yakos said the donation reflects McDonald's philosophy of "giving something back to the communities where it does business. We're grateful for the support we've already had from the Athens community."
McDonald's opened its first restaurant outside the United States just 24 years ago. Today nearly 3,500 McDonald's restaurants operate outside the U.S. With the opening of the first McDonald's in Greece, McDonald's is now serving customers in 56 countries around the globe.
McDonald's is the world's leading foodservice organization, with more than 12,000 restaurants. More than 75 percent of McDonald's restaurant businesses are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs.
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/CONTACT: Marie Lazarimou, 011-30-1-323-3213 (Greece); or Mike Gordon, 708-575-7676 (U.S.); both of McDonald's Corporation/
(MCD) CO: McDonald's Corporation ST: Illinois IN: REA SU: KK -- CL008 -- 2949 11/11/91 10:21 EST

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